Sustainability @ rebel rebel
Why Sustainability Matters to Us
At Rebel Rebel Hair Studio in Watford, we believe that small, thoughtful changes can lead to a bigger impact. Sustainability is part of how we run the studio every day, creating a space that supports people and the planet. From the way we manage waste to the brands available in our studio retail shop, we’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint.
On this page, you’ll find some of the steps we’re taking, from what happens to the hair we cut to how we recycle materials and make greener choices throughout the studio.
SMARTER COLOUR, LESS WASTE!
In 2025 alone we Rebel Rebel prevented 567 colour tubes, boxes and plasic lids and 40 litre bottles of developer from entering the system
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Have you seen that thing in the studio you probably thought was a coffee machine? That’s our YUV Colour Lab and it is one of the simplest ways we reduce waste every single day.
Traditional colour comes in tubes and boxes that usually end up in the bin and it is easy to over-order or end up with shades that go out of date. YUV removes all of that. The colour is stored in refillable canisters which means nothing gets thrown away and we only dispense what we need for each client.
It also means fewer deliveries and no stock piles which keeps the studio running smoothly for the freelance hairdressers working here. The colour itself is consistent and beautiful to work with so it supports creativity while naturally lowering waste.
Stylists here are independent and free to use any colour brand they choose. YUV is simply available in the space for anyone who wants to work with something that makes life easier and keeps unnecessary waste to a minimum.
What happens to hair and the foils from highlights?
Even the hair we cut and the foil we use to colour hair in the studio are put to good use.
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We recycle both through the Green Salon Collective. Hair can be used in all sorts of clever ways, including cleaning up oil spills, enriching compost, or supporting environmental research. Foil is collected and fully recycled, including foil used by all independent stylists in the space, no matter what brand of colour or foil they choose to use.
In most salons, foil ends up in landfill because it is considered contaminated and cannot go through standard household recycling. By working with Green Salon Collective, every piece of foil is properly collected, cleaned, and recycled.
We also compost hair through SalonCycle by TerraCycle, and when we repot our studio plants, we mix in hair to help keep them looking green and healthy.
Our commitment to 1% for the Planet
Have you seen that thing in the studio you probably thought was a coffee machine? That’s our YUV Colour Lab, and it’s one of the ways we reduce waste.
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It is our way of making sure the studio gives something back beyond the work we do day to day. Joining 1% for the Planet means we commit a percentage of our annual turnover to environmental charities that are already doing incredible work. It is a simple structure that keeps us accountable and makes our sustainability work part of the business rather than just good intentions.
This contribution is made by the studio itself. It does not affect the freelance hairdressers who work here and it is not linked to chair rental or any optional fee. It is simply our promise to support projects that protect the natural world whether that is rewilding, conservation or community based environmental work.
It sits alongside our other sustainability measures and helps us keep moving in the right direction. It is a small commitment with a big impact and one we are proud to stand behind.
TESTIMONIAL
by Lottie, freelance hairdresser at Rebel Rebel
I’ve been at Rebel Rebel for just over a year now and honestly I had no idea how wasteful our industry is until I came here. I’ve grown up in hairdressing just chucking everything in the bin and only ever being told off for wasting colour. I had no clue you could recycle half the stuff we use.
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Foil was the biggest shock for me. I used to throw away mountains of it without even thinking. Now every bit gets recycled and even the hair goes off to help with things like oil spills. The kids absolutely love hearing that their hair is “saving the turtles”. It makes my day every time.
The biodegradable towels have been such a game changer. I’ve always used normal towels so I know exactly how much washing they create. The biodegradable ones save so much time and energy and I honestly wish I’d had them years ago. Same with reusable colour capes. I used to get through so many plastic ones in a day without realising how wasteful it was.
Sarah is always finding things that make our lives easier and cut down waste at the same time. She got me using the Ecoheads colour mixer which makes the colour go further and stops me over-mixing. And the YUV colour lab has made such a difference because the canisters get reused and we only dispense exactly what we need.
Even the little things add up.
I used to get through loads of coffee pods without a thought. Now we use ground coffee instead and even some of the coffee grounds get used for growing the plants! One of my clients saw my Ecologi link and told me she likes that I “have my own trees” which made me laugh.
Working here makes me feel like I’m actually doing something good instead of adding to the waste our industry is known for. It feels nice knowing we’re making a difference and clients really do notice. I feel proud to be part of it.
WE PLANT TREES AND AVOID CO2
Through our partnership with Ecologi, we support climate action by funding carbon avoidance programmes and planting trees for every independent hair stylist who rents a chair in the studio.
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According to the Green Salon Collective, the average hairdresser’s carbon footprint is estimated to be around two tonnes of CO₂ per year. To help reduce this impact, we support climate projects that actively prevent carbon from entering the atmosphere.
Tree planting is part of our wider commitment to reforestation. Each tree is planted in recognition of the stylists working within our space, adding something positive back into the environment, without anyone needing to opt in or take extra steps.
This is just one of the ways sustainability is built into how the studio runs.
You can see the trees we’ve planted and track our progress at
what happens to the hair?
Whilst some hair is recycled by other The Green Salon Collective and some is used to feed our plants the rest is composted though Saloncycle
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Where does OUR RUBBISH go?
We’re proud to work with Veolia St Albans for our general waste and mixed recycling. Veolia shares our commitment to sustainability, so we know that anything we do not recycle in the studio is still handled responsibly.
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Here’s why this partnership matters:
They champion local biodiversity through projects like the Veolia Orchard, which has donated fruit trees to 16 local schools.
Veolia supports a circular economy, finding ways to turn waste into new resources or energy rather than sending it to landfill.
They are working towards net zero by 2050 and have already reduced their carbon intensity by 16% in just two years.
Their target covers emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3, with a focus on long-term environmental impact.
You can read more about their goals and climate commitments in Veolia’s climate report.
Having a waste partner that is taking real action on sustainability is one more way we build greener thinking into the way the studio runs.
TESTIMONIAL
by Micheal Sampson – Head of Sales for Yuv Beauty
Rebel Rebel Hair Studio is an inspiring and forward-thinking space, and we were incredibly proud to see them become the first in the UK to introduce the yuv Lab. Sarah’s commitment to raising standards in our industry is clear in the thoughtful and collaborative environment she has created.
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Rebel Rebel has built an environment where creativity, community and sustainability naturally sit side by side.
The impact inside the studio is clear, with stylists reducing their waste significantly and instantly feeling the benefit of a refillable colour lab built into the space.
One of our core values at yuv is our commitment to sustainability, and this was something that immediately resonated with Sarah. Knowing she would never have to throw away another tube of colour, plastic developer bottle or cardboard box was a genuine gamechanger. Our circular economy approach of refill, reuse and recycle fits seamlessly with the way Rebel Rebel operates.
Rebel Rebel’s passion for innovation, responsible practice and supporting independent hairdressers aligns strongly with our own values. We’re proud to champion Sarah and the entire Rebel Rebel community for their vision, authenticity and dedication to moving the industry forward.
WHAT’S IN OUR RETAIL SHOP?
The products available in our studio shop reflect the care we put into the space as a whole. Every brand we stock has been chosen for its thoughtful approach to sustainability, whether that’s in how the products are made, packaged, or delivered.
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None of the products we retail are tested on animals, and wherever possible, we work with companies that avoid plastic packaging in their shipments to us.
That includes Glowwa, a nutritionist-developed supplement brand that supports hair health and overall wellbeing. Their collagen is sustainably sourced as a byproduct, making use of materials that would otherwise go to waste. We also stock Eleven Australia and Innersense, both of which share our values around transparency and lower-impact practices.
These products are available for anyone to purchase directly from our studio shop. Many of the freelance stylists working in our space choose to align with these brands, but it’s entirely up to them. Our aim is simply to offer access to sustainable options that support both people and the planet.
BUILT TO BE GREENER
We’ve designed the studio to be calm, thoughtful, and sustainable from the inside out. Furnishings and materials were chosen for their durability and longevity, not disposability. Our workstations are made from solid wood and can be sanded back and reoiled over time, helping them last for years without needing to be replaced.
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You’ll find plants throughout the space, many of which we’ve grown from cuttings. When we repot them, we mix in coffee grounds and even the occasional handful of cut hair to help them stay healthy.
We’ve made practical choices that reduce waste and energy use. LED lighting is used throughout the studio, and Eco-heads are fitted at every backwash station, helping to reduce water use by up to 65 percent. Cleaning is done with Smol products wherever possible, and our coffee machine runs on compostable ESE pods, not plastic.
We use QR codes wherever we can to reduce the need for printed materials, and any receipts from our studio shop are emailed rather than printed. We’ve also made it easy for freelance hairdressers using the space to dispose of the waste their business produces in a way that aligns with our sustainability values.
All of these details are small on their own, but together they help shape a space that feels considered, conscious, and kind to the planet.
Small Choices, Big Impact
Sustainability is not something we treat as a bold statement. It is simply part of how we run the studio day to day. From the way we deal with waste to the plants we grow, the water we save, and the products we offer in the studio shop, we are always looking for ways to do things a little more thoughtfully.
It is not about being perfect. It is about taking responsibility where we can, being open to better options, and making decisions that reflect care — for our clients, for the stylists who choose to work here, and for the planet we all share.
TESTIMONIAL
by Hayley Merchant – Client at Rebel Rebel Hair Studio
I love going to Rebel Rebel. From the moment I walk in, it feels welcoming and it’s got a really cool independent boutique vibe. The stylists are all incredible and all have their own unique skills and customer base.
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But the thing always blows me away and made me a loyal customer is their commitment to being eco-friendly. I’m pretty conscious about my own footprint, so seeing a business genuinely walk the talk is massive for me. They recycle so much of their waste including hair and the foils used to highlight plus they use refillable colour cartridges from YUV which is better for hair and the environment! They’ve clearly put a lot of thought and effort into making sure they’re as sustainable as possible. It feels great to know that when I’m treating myself, I’m also supporting a business that cares about the planet.
When you visit Sarah it’s more than just a hair colour, it’s a whole experience that leaves you feeling and looking fantastic, and knowing you’ve made a good choice. I can’t recommend them enough!
Ready to Find Out More?
If you are a freelance or independent hairdresser looking to rent a hairdressing chair in Watford, we would love to hear from you. Come in for a coffee and a chat, or even try a day in the studio to see if it feels like the right fit for your independent hairdressing business.